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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is almost over following Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the requirement for cool minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has turned into a object for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and can embrace the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batter if required to score quickly or support the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C